As a result, the intermission will therefore likely include these tasks, and “if we want to drive to a distance of say 500 meters [1,640 ft.], then we have the option of getting the first 100 to 200 meters out of the way while we're dealing with CAP2,” he says.

Given progress to date, the team is leaning toward using the intermission for a drive on Sol 15. “It will just be a short drive—a few meters,” says MSL Mission Manager Michael Watkins. The initial maneuver will include a drive forward, followed by a turn and then a reverse. “We want to turn in an area that we can see,” he adds.